Erik ten Hag is effectively on trial as Manchester United 's new technical director, Jason Wilcox, conducts a review of the manager.
The Dutchman has overseen a poor season, which threatened to hit new lows when the team surrendered a 3-0 lead in their FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City. The eventually emerged victorious on penalties in front of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but their collapse has rang further alarm bells.
Wilcox, who was officially appointed last week, will use the final month of the season to provide a detailed assessment of Ten Hag. He will look at his strengths and weaknesses whilst also trying to gauge whether his style can prove successful - or if change is needed.
The former Southampton chief and Dan Ashworth are looking implement a so-called “game model” and Wilcox must assess whether Ten Hag can work in that framework, reports The Telegraph.
As a result Wilcox will look at the upcoming training sessions. He'll also hold talks with the manager, staff and players during his analysis. The new United chief wants to determine whether or not the relationship between Ten Hag and his players has begun to deteriorate.
The Dutchman has often pointed to the poor run of luck with injuries as a major factor in their decline this term. But Wilcox wants to establish whether the players have become disillusioned with Ten Hag's methods or aren't buying into his game plan.
Ten Hag has claimed he needed to install some standards at the club, which has seen him punish players who step out of line. However Jadon Sancho eventually fell out with the manager and now could be sold whilst Marcus Rashford has also landed himself in hot water following several off pitch issues.
The Old Trafford bosses recognise a decision on Ten Hag’s future must be made by the end of the season as speculation continues to hang over the club. United’s final Premier League game is away to Brighton on May 19 with the FA Cup final against Manchester City taking place at Wembley six days later.
The Red Devils are conscious of the fact that there are no obvious candidates waiting in the wings. They could take a punt on the up and coming young manager, like Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, but there is an acceptance that would come with an element of risk.
England manager Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel - who will soon leave Bayern Munich - are also shortlisted. They all come with concerns however as United plot their next move.
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